Tuesday, April 1, 2008

So I was hoping in this blog to focus only on where you should go for great sushi, but unfortunately, because of the sheer numbers of mediocre places these days, I feel I must also occasionally mention where NOT to go, if you want quality and authenticity.

I won't go into a long list, but will simply offer these "advisory" posts as I come across places and information.

Some friends and colleagues recently checked out the new Ra Sushi restaurant in Orange County, part of a growing chain that seems to cater to the clubbin' crowd. Since I work in the media, I'd received plenty of pitches from the restaurant's PR folks, encouraging me to come dine there and write about it.

But with "Signature Sushi" offerings like the "Viva Las Vegas Roll" and cocktails named "Me Luv U Long Time" and "Screaming Ninja," I just could not get motivated to check it out.

So I was relieved when I heard some of my young but sophisticated-in-taste friends were going to try it. They would be my sushi scouts.

I'm afraid they confirmed my fears. The food is more of the drive-by, cater-to-the-masses variety, filling and perfect for absorbing alcohol. But it does sound like a lovely setting for drinks with friends, and the sake menu does offer a couple of decent offerings (Kizakura, Otokoyama labels). Read their report and let me know what you think.

RawFishionado's Sushi Picks Map

About Me

Japanese American Southern California native. Which means I love sushi and fish tacos, pho and menudo, curtido and kimchi, the ocean and the mountains, the desert at dusk in the fall, punk rock and salsa music, fruits and nuts. Here's why I started this blog.